Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

Department/Location: Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Cambridge

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant/Research Associate to develop and apply a protocol for the quantification of fluorophore numbers in biological samples.

The successful candidate will have excellent skills in the following disciplines:

• single molecule superresolution imaging in live biological samples, in particular single molecule localisation microscopy and single particle tracking (SPT).
• Biological sample preparation techniques deploying Halo / Snap tag technologies.
• Excellent computer skills (Python) and a track record for the development of advanced image processing algorithms.

The purpose of the work is to determine the stoichiometry of biomolecular interactions and to inform practical labelling strategies that maximise the chance of verifying such interactions. Examples of research we will conduct include the study of ligand-substrate interactions, specifically to investigate receptor signalling and spatiotemporal distribution near the cell membrane.

By applying advanced single-molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) and single-particle tracking (SPT), we will quantify the precise copy numbers of proteins within membrane nanodomains to distinguish between transient collisions and stable functional complexes. We will optimise the labelling strategy, using Halo and Snap-tag technologies, in such a way as to be able to quantify the stoichiometry of interacting and non-interacting partners under varying physiological conditions.

A second application of this research is in the study of protein oligomerisation reactions, where the developed protocols will be used to monitor the assembly kinetics and structural polymorphism of multi-protein aggregates in real-time. These methodologies will ultimately provide a robust framework for translating raw fluorescence intensities into absolute molecular counts, bridging the gap between high-end imaging and quantitative molecular biology.

Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant and promoted to Research Associate when the PhD is awarded.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2026 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Applications closing date 8th of April 2026.

Please quote reference NQ49221 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.